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Martial

Bust of Marcus Valerius Martial, Calatayud (Bílbilis).

Five Ancient Poems on Literary Critics

A Good Reason

You wonder why I never ask you if you’ve read my book?
    I’m not one of those narcissistic bores
who fishes around for praise with such a thinly baited hook.
    Besides, I’m worried you’ll ask if I’ve read yours.

(Epigrams V.73)


The Way It Is

You gladly take work as a reviewer, Myron,
but then find fault with every book you read.
You have to learn to moderate your opinion:
you can’t be totally honest and succeed.

(IX.10)


Short Enough?

You call my epigrams verbose and lacking in concision
    while you yourself write nothing. Wise decision.

(I.110)


Price Tag

You praise long-dead authors rapturously;
the living ones you savage or ignore,
but since your praise can’t grant immortality
I really don’t think it’s worth dying for.

(VIII.69)


Everyone’s A Critic

Dad, you asked to read my poems, but now, five pages in,
    I see the sighs and stifled yawns begin.
I understand long, complex poems don’t interest everyone,
    so this short one’s for you. (That’s it. You’re done.)

(II.6)

Adapted from the Latin of Martial by


Brooke Clark



If you have any comments on these poems, Brooke Clark would be pleased to hear from you.

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